There is something utterly magical about the combination of soft, fluffy donuts topped with a shiny, sweet, and slightly chewy glaze that bursts with fruity flavor. This Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe brilliantly marries classic baked donuts with a playful twist by incorporating your favorite gummy candies into the glaze. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and absolutely irresistible — perfect for brightening up any morning or adding a whimsical touch to your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a key role—from the flour that gives structure to the donuts, to the gummies that lend that one-of-a-kind glaze texture you’ll love.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the soft, tender base of the donuts.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the donuts rise to a light, airy perfection.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth with a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Moistens the batter for tender bites.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and keeps the texture delicate.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds lift.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the donuts with classic sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional): Offers a subtle nutty undertone for complexity.
- 1/2 cup gummy candy (your choice): Creates the fun, vibrant glaze that’s the star of the show.
- 1 tbsp water: Helps melt the gummies smoothly for glazing.
- 1 tbsp corn syrup: Gives the glaze its sticky, glossy finish.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional for glaze): Enhances the gummy glaze with extra flavor.
- Food coloring (optional): Makes your glaze pop with vibrant, eye-catching hues.
How to Make Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan well with non-stick spray so the donuts slide out easily once they’re baked and cooled. This simple prep step saves you any sticky cleanup hassles later on.
Step 2: Make the Donut Batter
In one large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Then gently combine the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until everything is moistened. Remember, don’t overmix — you want a tender crumb!
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon your batter into the prepared donut wells, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives your donuts room to rise without overflowing. Taking your time here ensures an even bake with those perfect donut shapes.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts
Pop the pan into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a donut comes out clean. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling set is crucial to keep your glaze smooth and shiny later.
Step 5: Make the Gummy Glaze
While the donuts cool, it’s time to tackle the glaze. Place your gummy candy and water in a heatproof bowl and microwave on 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until you get a smooth, melted mixture. Stir in corn syrup and vanilla extract, then add your choice of food coloring if you’d like those gorgeous, vivid shades. The sweetness and chewiness of the gummies transform into a glossy, ultra-delicious glaze here.
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts
Now for the magic: dip the tops of your cooled donuts into the gummy glaze, letting any extra drip off. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the glaze can set and develop its signature gummy texture. This fun step is what takes your donuts from familiar to fantastically fun.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds! Serve them right away for that fresh, chewy glaze, or keep reading for tips on how to store and reheat them.
How to Serve Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling your glazed donuts with crushed gummy candies, edible glitter, or colored sugar crystals for an extra playful look that matches the fun glaze. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of white chocolate can also brighten both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate indulgence. Fresh fruit bowls or yogurt parfaits add a refreshing counterpoint to the chewy sweetness of the donuts, balancing the flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your donuts on colorful platters or in clear glass cloches to show off that shimmering gummy glaze. For parties, stack them in a donut tower or hang them on a donut wall for a creative dessert display that guests will talk about for days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover gummy glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the glaze pleasantly chewy without becoming sticky or too hard, preserving their unique texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts without glaze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to two months. Once thawed, prepare a fresh gummy glaze and dip the donuts just before serving to recapture that fresh-baked goodness and chewy shine.
Reheating
Reheat donuts gently by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to soften the dough, but avoid microwaving as this can make the glaze sticky or melt unevenly. This way, you keep that perfect gummy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of gummy candy for the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with gummy bears, gummy worms, fruit snacks, or any gummy candy you love. Each adds its own unique flavor and color to the glaze, making this recipe wonderfully versatile.
Is this recipe gluten-free or can it be adapted to be?
This version uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just note the texture might vary slightly, but the gummy glaze process stays the same.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
To make these donuts vegan, swap dairy milk for plant-based milk, use a vegan butter substitute, and replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use vegan gummy candies as well to keep the glaze on point.
What if my glaze doesn’t set properly?
If your gummy glaze is too runny, add a bit more cornstarch or reduce the water next time. Also, letting your donuts cool completely before glazing ensures the glaze adheres and sets beautifully without sliding off.
Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, use a muffin tin and fill each cup about halfway. After baking, you can cut a hole out of the center if you want the classic donut shape. The texture and glaze will be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe enough for anyone who loves a little creativity and whimsy in their desserts. It’s not only a joy to make but offers a fun twist on traditional donuts that’ll bring smiles around the table. So grab your favorite gummies and get ready to bake some unforgettable donuts!
Print
Gummy Glazed Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Gummy Glazed Donuts are soft, fluffy, and feature a fun, colorful gummy candy glaze that melts into a sweet, shiny coating. Baked to perfection and topped with a vibrant gummy glaze, they’re a playful twist on classic donuts, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or parties.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Gummy Glaze
- 1/2 cup gummy candy (such as gummy bears, gummy worms, or fruit snacks)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Food coloring (optional, for vibrant glazes)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.
- Make the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each donut cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Gummy Glaze: While the donuts cool, place the gummy candies and water in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the gummies are melted and smooth. Stir in corn syrup and vanilla extract if using. Add food coloring at this stage if you desire a vibrant glaze color.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the top of each donut into the prepared gummy glaze. Allow excess glaze to drip off and let the donuts sit for a few minutes so the glaze can set and harden slightly.
- Serve: Enjoy the gummy glazed donuts immediately for the best texture and flavor, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure your donuts remain light and fluffy.
- If desired, substitute whole milk with any milk alternative, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.
- Adjust the gummy glaze color with food coloring to match your theme or preference.
- Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh.
- You can experiment with different gummy candy varieties for unique glaze flavors and colors.
